We can probably all agree that nobody really wants to wear a face mask right now, but the fact of the matter is they’re fast becoming an essential accessory in everyday life. However, the standard blue face masks you can get from hospitals and by the bulk load are pretty ugly, and we reckon that has something to do with the lack of uptake from the general public.
It’s clearly a theory many fashion brands have had as well, as we’ve seen a whole wave of masks appearing from some of our favourite designers. They of course not only a serve a purpose to protect you and the wider public from contracting The Virus, but they also serve as a genuine fashion accessory and one that can easily transform any outfit.
When it comes to buying a face mask, you’ll need to make sure you can get a tight but comfortable fit around your face. You don’t want any gaps at the top or sides, as this will make it completely redundant. Most masks have elasticated sides to will be able to stretch to virtually any size, and some have flexible wire in the main section to mould to your face.
For a face mask to be effective it should also have multiple layers of fabric to act as a filtration system, but also to allow you to breathe normally. You don’t want to be taking your mask off all the time to inhale large amounts of air. You may have seen mention of N95 filters online, but you’re unlikely to get a mask with one of these as they need to be reserved for healthcare workers.
It’s also recommended that you wash your face mask before the first wear and after each wear. Put it on and remove it using the handles rather than holding the main piece that goes over your mouth, and don’t pull it down to your neck when you need to remove it. Your neck can be a stomping ground for germs and bacteria, so putting your mask here will just transfer a layer to it.
We’ve also seen stories online of people microwaving their masks in an attempt to kill any bacteria. This, and we cannot stress this enough, not a wise thing to do. Do not microwave your mask. Microwaving. Not. Good.
Here are some of the coolest face masks around to give you perfect pandemic protection. However, bear in mind that many of them require a filter to be inserted, which you’ll have to buy separately.
General FAQ
How to make a face mask?
Why make one when you can buy one for cheap. Even better, get a designer and be the talk of the town.
Do face masks work?
Yes. They reduce the spread of germs.
Where to buy face masks?
Face masks are available at most pharmacies, however many fashion brands are now making affordable fabric masks.
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Todd Snyder
American menswear designer Todd Snyder is a real favourite of ours here at DMARGE, most notably for his unique take on everyday essentials. Everything bearing the Todd Snyder label is of a high-quality and has an effortlessly cool nature to it.
His face masks are no different. Made from a cotton jersey fabric with space to insert a filter and will perfectly conform to the natural contours of your face. Better still, for every mask purchased, Todd Snyder will donate one to US charity Good360, which will provide a mask to a hospital in greatest need in NYC.
Bonobos
American clothing brand Bonobos is best known for creating pants that have a curved waistband to contour to your body's natural shape. That same methodology has been applied to its face mask range too, by using a flexible wire close to the nose, allowing you to find the perfect fit.
Openings at either side let you easily fit and remove filters (sold separately) and elasticated bands go round your head, rather than just your ears, making it more comfortable for all-day wear. The soft cotton fabric is the same used in its Riviera shirt range, meaning they can be had in a variety of stylish designs.
Shangri-La Heritage
Italian brand Shangri-La Heritage is one that takes design inspiration from classic motorcycles, travelling and rock 'n' roll. Materials used in its clothing are tough and rugged, which work perfectly for face masks too.
The Fearless Mask uses 100 per cent Italian raw denim, mated to an inner layer of antibacterial cotton to produce a breathable yet leakproof mask that's as stylish as it is functional. Large elastics go round the ears for a secure, yet comfortable fit. Very rock 'n' roll.
Everlane
Everlane is a direct-to-consumer retailer that is all about doing some good for the planet. All its products use sustainably-sourced materials and are made by ethical means. The company also has a 100% Human collection that donates a small portion of sales to charitable causes.
This five pack of face masks (two black, two grey and one green) is part of that collection, so not only will you be doing yourself a favour by buying a pack, but you'll be helping out someone less fortunate at the same time. They're made from a double-layer knit fabric to help filter out germs while remaining soft and comfortable on your face.
John Elliott
American fashion brand John Elliott continuously produces incredibly well-made pieces that are some of the most stylish in the business. John is a fan of prints and colours and only the finest materials are used and made in the USA.
This triple-pack of tie dye face masks is the perfect embodiment of that, being made from 100 per cent cotton and rocking three very different tie dye patterns. 10 per cent of each sale will be given to UCLA Health Research & Education.
Under Armour
US sportswear giant Under Armour may not be one of the first brands you would expect to be producing face masks, but the more manufacturers making them available the greater the supply.
Coming from a sporting background, Under Armour knows all about breathing too, so its face mask is made from its own high-performance materials which remain comfortable when worn all day, and provides optimum airflow. The outer shell is water-resistant, while the inner layer has been given an anti-microbial treatment to keep it fresher for longer.
Off-White
Off-White is the fashion label founded by Virgil Abloh, the same man who is Louis Vuitton's Creative Director. Pieces from Off-White may be a little pricier than some other brands, but such is the world of luxury fashion.
The company's Arrows face mask is exceptionally cool though, sporting a large Arrows motif on the front (which can also be found on various other pieces in the company's collection). Rather than have the elastics at the side, the Off-White mask has top and bottom-mounted straps that stretch around the back of your head for a completely secure and snug fit.
Mostly Heard Rarely Seen
Mostly Heard Rarely Seen (MHRS) is the brainchild of Thomas Li, a fashion designer from Hong Kong. The brand is incredibly popular with hypebeasts and streetwear-fanatics and as the name suggests, Li is rarely seen in public, instead letting his designs be "mostly heard".
This camo print face mask is made from 100 per cent nylon and attaches around your ears by way of elasticated straps with adjustable toggles. The camouflage will mean your face will only be mostly seen and rarely heard. Get it?
Isaac Sellam Experience
French designer Isaac Sellam is a big fan of leather and makes heavy use of it within his Isaac Sellam Experience label, which was founded in 2002.
This mesh mask has a 100 per cent calf leather outer layer and a 100 per cent linen lining. The elasticated straps feature a prominent stitching design, something the brand is known for.
Wolford
Austrian clothing brand Wolford is certainly more female-orientated, primarily being a producer of underwear and stockings. That knowledge lends it to using soft and comfortable fabrics that are of a long-lasting quality.
The company's jersey fabric has been channelled into this face mask, which being all-black, makes it very much a unisex product. There is an embossed logo on the front and when viewed from the side it does resemble on half of a bra, so guys may be put off, but ultimately, you'd rather be seen with a mask on that in a hospital bed, right?
